November 2015 12sportsU. City High School 7401 Balson Ave University City, MO 63130

NEWS MAGAZINE

U-TimesNovember 2015

Volume 26, Issue 1

Homecoming spirits fly high

PHOTO BY TANEYA PARKER

U. City High School 7401 Balson Ave University City, MO 63130

NEWS MAGAZINE

U-TimesNovember 2015

Volume 26, Issue 1

Pershing wins best float; field hockey takes second

IN THIS ISSUE

The sopomore class show off their spirit in the homecoming parade. “We were excited to represent our class in the parade,” said Whtiney Huling, sophmore class secretary. PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE POLITTE AND JOSHUA MAYFIELD

Every year, the JROTC Color Guard leads the parade down Delmar. “I felt proud of myself because I am a model of JROTC,” said Jermarcus Perkins, junior. “We are leaders.”

For the first time, Latin Club walks with a float in the parade. “Students took the lead with our float,” said Matthew Tuths, Latin teacher. “We built a mini Mt. Olympus.”

In her final year with the district, Superintendent Joylynn Pruitt walks in the parade dressed up as Cindrella to match the Hollywood theme.

2-5News• U Logo• Chromebooks

• Google/NEO• Transfers

6-7Homecoming• Dance• Spirit Week

• Pep rally

8-9Features• ESOL• Food review

• Teacher advice• Rapper profile

10-12Sports• AIP• Team bonding

• Homecoming game

By Christine PolitteEditor-in-Chief

The field hockey team has won the homecoming float competition so many times that no one on the team is certain of the exact number.

“[We’ve won] each year that I’ve been in high school, except one year they didn’t give it to us because they felt like we won too much,” said Korinna Brandt, senior.

Apparently, 2015 was another one of those years. Field hockey took second place this year, after Pershing Elementary. Rounding out the top three was Jackson Park Elementary.

The secret to the team’s success begins with the parents, according to Coach Marisa Sheppard.

“We have a dedicated crew of alumni parents that help out every year,” said Sheppard. “They love field hockey, and they’re very supportive of what I’m doing with the field hockey program.”

April Silverman is one of the biggest forces behind the float every year. Although her daughters who were on the team graduated several years ago, she said she’s happy to help.

“I played field hockey in high school, and my daughter plays [in college], and I feel like I’m still connected to it,” she said. “It’s my way of giving back.”

Derrick Coley worked on the floats while his daughter was the team. She graduated four years ago, but he also continues to help out every year.

“I’m just excited to see the involvement of the community in things like this,” said Coley. “This is what makes a community a community.”

Over the years, the team has developed a process to design and build the float, according to Sheppard.

“Derrick will come to practice, we have a team chat, and he throws out what he thinks is feasible on the trailor,” Sheppard said. “Then he starts to build and we see what’s possible.”

Each year, there are two or three parent workdays on the float as well as two or three player workdays, according to Hayle Jones, sophomore.

“Because some stuff we can’t do, but the parents can do,” Jones said. “Like build the actual float, because we don’t do all that, because they don’t want us to be hurt.”

Brandt emphasized that the players do their fair share of the work.

“We all pitch in,” she said. “It’s not just like, oh, yeah, we let our parents do the whole thing. We help with painting and the design.”

Boasting tons of spirit, Pershing Elementary faculty and students catch the attention of everyone, even the judges. The school won first place for floats.

November 2015 2opinion

2015-2016 U-Times Staff PhilosophyThe newspaper’s primary obligation is to inform its readers about events in the school and community and of the issues of national or international importance which directly or indirectly affect the school population. The newspaper, while serving as a training ground for future journalists as part of the school curriculum, recognizes all rights and responsibilities under the First Amendment. While establishing U-Times as a public

forum, student editors will apply professional standards and ethics for decision-making as they take on the responsibility for content and production of the newspaper. Inasmuch as the student staff encourages constructive criticism of any part of the newspaper, authority for content rests in the hands of the student members of the newspaper staff. Students will not publish material considered to be legally unprotected speech, or libel, obscenity, material disruption

of the educational process, copyright infringement, or unwarranted invasion of privacy.

PoliciesOpinions expressed on the editorial page do not reflect the viewpoints of the school administration. All editorials (unsigned) represent a majority opinion of the Editorial Board. Signed editorials, columns, editorial cartoons, and reviews reflect the views of the author and not necessarily those of the U-Times Editorial Board. The U-Times

reserves the right to reject, edit, or shorten letters. Submit letters to Mrs. Mary Williams in Room 346, or to any U-Times staff member, or to marywilliams@ucityschools.org.

Contact UsWe are located in Room 346 at University City High School, 7401 Balson Ave., University City, MO 63130. Our email address is marywilliams@ucityschools.org. Tweet us or follow us on Instagram @utimesonline.

Editor-in-Chief: Christine PolitteAssistant Editor: Kathryn FullerWeb Editor: Payton BassStaff Writers/Photographers:Jacelynn AllenFrancene BethuneImani GleasonTave HollinsPablo Lopez-ReynaXoe O’HaraJaylen WilliamsDaniel WilliamsonLucy WurstAdviser: Mrs. Mary Williams

School spirit shrinks after homecoming

During Homecoming week, it’s easy to feel the school spirit in the building—everyone is dressed up, black and gold is everywhere, and the halls are abuzz with excitement. Hundreds of people cheer at the pep rally and football game, and for a few moments, the school is united and proud.

But as soon as students return to school the following Monday, it’s as if Homecoming never happened. Students come to school late, put their heads down during class, and leave as quickly as possible when the bell rings, if they’re not skipping school altogether.

It’s not surprising that sprit would ebb a bit after

such a long weekend. But it shouldn’t be normal for school spirit to disappear entirely. It’s clear that the post-Homecoming slump is a symptom of a bigger problem.

Tramel Harell, junior, sums it up perfectly.“Nobody does anything to show school spirit, only

during spirit week,” Harell said.Of course, there are exceptions. Even if they’re not

thrilled to come every day, some students enjoy school and are proud to attend U. City. But most of them do nothing to show it.

It’s easy to wonder why it matters if our school has spirit or not. Our top priority is supposed to be learning,

not enjoying ourselves, after all.But spirit may in fact be the key to getting the most

out of school. When students enjoy school and feel like they’re a part of something great, they’re more likely to show up and work hard.

Besides, as long as we’re stuck here five days a week, we might as well enjoy it.

Several students, including Rebecca Rico, freshman, suggested that more spirit days should be held throughout the year to get students excited.

That’s not a bad idea. But it ignores the real reason students have no school spirit: they feel like the teachers and administration don’t make any effort to understand them.

“It’s like no one cares about anybody,” said Diasia Howard, sophomore.

Black and gold days are great, but what students really want is for the staff to sit down and listen to them, according to Howard. They want relief from unreasonable rules like hall sweeps and ID policies. They want better food. And they want understanding and respect for the difficulties of being a teenager.

The staff shouldn’t be the only ones making an effort, though. Students have to want to make their school a place that’s worth coming to every morning. They need to be more vocal about what they need from the staff and involved in school activities.

Change won’t be instant, and it won’t be complete. But if we keep working at it, there’s hope for a better U. City.

Together, we can make this school a place where the school spirit is noticeable every day.

Sophomore Daniel Gibson waits for the pep rally to end Oct. 9. “I’m not really a big fan of loud events,” he said. “I kind of understand the school spirit stuff, but I don’t really care for it.”

U. City ignores undertones of ‘Straight Outta’ phraseBy Payton BassWeb Editor

Every school year brings a new wave of T-shirts sold by sports teams and organizations, such as field hockey, homecoming, Gay/Straight Alliance and others, all selling school spirit for about $15. This year, a new T-shirt was added to the line-up. Straight Outta U. City. The design of the T-shirts mimic the design used for the movie “Straight Outta Compton.”

Although the attempt at raising school spirit is admirable, it is questionable why we are intentionally associating ourselves with “Straight Outta Compton,” a movie and album that endorses frowned-upon behaviors.

Behind “Straight Outta U-City” is the all too obvious influence of “Straight Outta Compton.” “Straight Outta Compton” is so much more than a recent hit film. It is the debut album by the hip hop group N.W.A, released August 9, 1988. The album “Straight Outta Compton” has been viewed as the pioneering record of “gangsta rap,” with ever-present profanity and violent lyrics.

“When I look at the ‘Straight Outta Compton’ lyrics, I don’t want us to be associated with ‘Straight Outta Compton,’” said Rashida Miller, counselor. “The song lyrics from ‘Straight Outta Compton’ are horrible. There’s lots of profanity, talking about the police and

fighting.” Although it is an unconventional

association, the connection seems to fit with our predominantly black high school. I appreciate the radicalism of the album. I appreciate the authenticity of the album. We just about always fail to remember in this society that anger is a natural response to oppression. Black guys are the most oppressed group of people in America. They’ve got it worse than anybody. With that in mind, it’s only realistic for anger to be a prominent component in an album made by five black guys rapping about life from their perspectives.

The album “Straight Outta Compton” features the single “F*** Tha Police,” which protests against police brutality and racial profiling. Furthermore, the shooting of Michael Brown occurred on August 9, 2014, in Ferguson, Missouri, a North County suburb of St. Louis. Brown, an 18-year-old black male, was fatally shot by Darren Wilson, a white police officer. The death of Michael Brown essentially sparked a black power movement rebirth all over the country. At such a time when racial tensions are at a continual high, and our city is broadly considered to be the one which ignited the explosion of all that tension just one summer ago, I see distinct purpose in our predominantly black high school associating with “Straight Outta Compton.”

“I don’t see anything wrong with this high school associating itself with “Straight Outta Compton,” said Andrew Walz, English teacher. “I think the film came out at a really important time in history in which there’s an ongoing conversation in our culture on police violence directed towards young African American men. I think what the film shows and what N.W.A’s music represents is perhaps the genesis of this dialogue and the Black Lives Matter movement.”

Generally no one seems to be thinking

that much into the “Straight Outta” phrase, unless provoked. Even though the “Straight Outta” phrase is linked to negative connotations, the school T-shirts have been a huge hit among students and staff, a success in promoting school and community spirit. This lack of thought to the deeper meanings represented by this phrase means going forward as individuals, and more to the point as a school we need to look deeply into what we’re associating ourselves with, keeping in mind there’s always more than meets the phrase.

Thompson Brown, senior, reps his “Straight Outta U City” hoodie on Oct. 30 in the hallway. “The theme of the shirts was a great idea since ‘Straight Outta Compton’ was a popular movie this year,” said Brown.

November 20153 news

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Borrowed logo must goSchool district receives “cease and desist” letter over university logoBy Christine PolitteEditor-in-Chief

The school district is beginning a costly, long-term transition to a new logo after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from the University of Miami for using a logo similar to the university’s, according to district officials.

The letter was originally sent in an email to Mr. Malcolm Hill, assistant principal and athletic director, in early September. He brought it to the attention of Mr. Michael Maclin, principal, and Superintendent Pruitt.

“I was a little bit surprised,” said Pruitt. “At first I didn’t understand the issue. The issue is the split U with different colors on each side.”

The University of Miami logo is a letter U split vertically down the middle, half orange and half green. According to Mr. Hill, University City has been using a black and gold U in the same style for the last 10-12 years. The University of Miami has had their logo for 42 years, according to the website of the Miami Hurricane, the university’s student newspaper.

“Their logo is trademarked,” said Pruitt. “We did some research to see if we had gone through the proper procedure to use the logo. We could not find evidence of that.”

It appears that the football coach and athletic director at the time decided it was time to change the image, said Pruitt.

“There was no formal procedure for it,” she said. “It just started appearing on uniforms.”

It is important to note that the University of Miami did not sue the school district; instead, they sent the cease and desist letter to make the school district aware of the situation.

“They’re actually doing us a favor because they can bring us straight to court or have a lawsuit against us,” said Hill. “I think they did the most professional thing by contacting us.”

The school district declined to provide the U-Times a copy of

the letter, citing a Missouri law closing records involving legal actions.

It is not clear how the University of Miami became aware of the U. City logo. The university did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

The district worked with the university to make a timeline to phase out the logo by 2019, according to Pruitt.

“If we had to do it all at one time, it would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars,” she said.

As long as the district meets the timeline, she said, the matter is considered resolved.

In order to comply with the university, Hill said, the district must replace uniforms, signs, mats, and the floor of the high school gymnasium.

News of the letter has not been well-received among students.

“I think that’s disappointing,” said Taylor Bass, senior. “We’ve been using [the logo] for a long time. It’s not that serious.”

Gabe Dean, senior, agreed.“Why are they coming after U. City?” he said. “We’re a small

local high school. There are so many other schools that use that logo,” he said, citing Union high school as an example.

Ms. Susan Hill, assistant principal, compared the situation to being pulled over on the highway when everyone else is speeding too.

“I know a lot of other high schools in the area are violating trademark law with their issues, and no one’s going after them,” she said.

A new U. City logo is currently in development, according to Pruitt.

“We know the students really liked the split U,” she said. Students will have a chance to vote on the new logo, which

the district will trademark.

Cultural Leadership • Three students at U. City hosted shadows on Oct. 28, from Cultural Leadership, a program that uses shadows to observe discrepancies in learning between city and suburban schools. The U. City students who hosted shadows are Joseph Chunn, senior, Daniel Pomerantz, sophomore, and Jalen Williams, sophomore.

Band Trip • During the weekend of Oct. 23-25, the Golden Explosion took a trip to Jackson, Ms. to play in Jackson State University’s homecoming parade. They also attended the homecoming football game.

Athletic Updates • Students and faculty alike are now receiving emails from the

Athletics Department informing them of upcoming U. City sports events. Matthew Brooks, Athletic Director, plans on turning this into a weekly newsletter in the hope of getting more students out to games to support their school.

National Day of Concern • Senior Class President Taylor Bass hosted National Day of Concern after school in the auditorium on Oct. 23. National Day of Concern is a day of awareness, giving students the opportunity to pledge against gun violence.

Fall play • “Selfie,” a one-act play, will be performed in the auditorium Nov. 6 and 7 at 7 pm each night. The play is directed by Donna Harmon and will be followed by a series of monologue performances.

News in brief

Guess the logo

Eight student leaders represented U. City at the Gateway2Change Student Summit on Race held at Ritenour High School on Oct. 27. The organization’s mission is to bring together student bodies with different racial and socioeconomic makeups to break down social barriers and make change in the St. Louis area. U. City partnered with Ritenour and Fox for sibling schools. As sibling schools, one of the goals is to shadow one another at each school, thus gaining insight students wouldn’t be exposed to normally. “I really enjoy the partnerships with U. City and Fox,” said Kailyn Ware, Ritenour high junior. “We have a lot of the same views on change, and how we’re going to get different races to come together as one.”

Race Summit

Answers: 1B, 2A, 3C

U. City isn’t the only local school to borrow a university’s logo. Can you match these university logos with the area school that uses them?

University logos

Local school logos

3) University of Texas-Austin Longhorns

2) Suffolk University Rams

1) Southern Methodist University Mustangs

A) Ladue Horton-Watkins High School

B) Parkway Central High School

C) Parkway West High School

November 2015 4news

NEO vs Google

By Xoe O’HaraStaff Writer

As technology continues to develop, the district began to slowly introduce innovative ideas that would help students become more technologically savvy. This year, the district gifted students with over 800 almost-new mini laptops that they could not only use at school, but take home every night. According to Gabe Dean, senior, who works as an intern in technology support services, the laptops weigh about the size of a small textbook, and display many built-in features that are geared toward making homework a lot easier.

“I think we should have Chromebooks because they help with homework, but on the other hand people don’t always respect them like they’re supposed to,” said Dean. “They drop them and they break, or the screen cracks, and it can become a huge mess.”

Another thing is that some people don’t have access to a computer at home so the Chromebooks definitely help with that, but one of the bad things about that, is that if you don’t have internet at home you can’t really use it.”

According to Scott Gowan, director of technology, they are trying to figure out a way to make Chromebooks work without actually needing an internet connection.

“Right now, in their present state, Chromebooks do depend on internet

activity,” said Gowan. “They have the ability to work offline which means that you can work on a Google doc even if you don’t have a connection, but that is really limited right now. Ultimately, we want people to be able to do homework at home without having to use a broadband connection.”

The Chromebooks not only help with homework, but according to junior counselor Rashida Miller, they prepare students for college.

“The Chromebooks will allow students to discipline themselves when they go to college,” said Miller. “The Chromebooks give students the opportunity to work at home and with technology expanding, it helps the students expand their technology skills as well.”

While there are clear advantages to having Chromebooks, there have been a few drawbacks, as well, that senior counselor Katy- Jane Johnson has noticed.

“Students don’t realize the consequences of misusing computer and technology usage, and unfortunately discipline is not one of the strong attributes of being a teenager, ” said Johnson. “It’s hard to regulate yourself when you have access to so much stuff.” There are growing pains in having all of this new and exciting technology, hopefully by the time the new freshman come in they’ll be accustomed to using them in order to maximize the benefits they bring.”

New kids on the block

By Jacelynn AllenStaff Writer

No one can imagine how it feels to be the new kid on the block... until you are.

“When you first go to a new school, it is hard because you have to get used to everything again,” said Taylor Bass, senior, who has attended Steger Sixth Grade Center, Oakville Middle School, and Parkway Northeast Middle School.

“U. City is a predominantly black school which is the opposite of every school that I’ve been to,” said Bass. “Also at this school there are more opportunities than I´ve ever been offered.”

After attending Brittany Woods Middle School and Rosati Kain High School, Kayanna Wymbs, senior, transferred back to U.City because she did not feel like she belonged at Rosati Kain High school.

“I gave it a chance and I just couldn’t make it work, “ said Wymbs.

Once Wymbs came back, she immediately felt welcomed and like she could be herself while being involved in many activities.

“My transfer here has actually been great, and the minute school started I felt like I immediately fit in and like I belonged, “ said Wymbs. “I try very

hard to be involved in U. City. I play field hockey, cheer and am involved in as any activities as I can.”

A big population of transfers are freshman coming from private schools.

“There’s a lot more personalities here than at Christ the King (Catholic grade school),” said Peter Kellogg, freshman. “I am on the soccer team and robotics and they are both fun,” said Kellogg. “The soccer team here is better. At Christ the King, my dad was the coach and everyone got a chance to play at U. City, only the best players get to play.”

Another difference is the level of robotics at Christ the King where robotics were in the FLL league which only involved Legos.

“The robotics here are way more advanced than at my old school,” said Kellogg. “You work with real robots instead of Legos. Now I like to build the robots like Bob the Builder.”

Like Kellogg, sophomore Maleak Johnson came to U. City from a private school, Crossroads College Preparatory School. When students attend U. City, they typically have experienced some level of organized sports.

“I play soccer, basketball, and run track,” said Johnson. “Everything is different here than at Crossroads.”

Working on a photojournalism project in Intro to Journalism, Maleak Johnson, sophomore, reflects on the reasons why he prefers U. City to Crossroads College Prepatory, where he previously attended. “The best part of transferring to U. City is running track and playing basketball,” said Johnson. “It’s a bigger school and I like the vibe of the bigger school.”

During his American Law independent study, senior Joseph Chunn works in the library. “Having Chromebooks is like a double-edge sword,” said Chunn. “While they do provide much educational utility on the surface, because if they’re lost or damaged, they unfortunately cause a bit of liability. Another challenge is that they invite removal from the educational setting, because now that you’ve integrated this new technology without really setting a groundwork for how it will actually be employed in the classroom, the student is left to determine how they’ll use it, and inevitably that leaves the system to be used for entertainment purposes as opposed to an instrument of learning.”

Students transferring from other schools note differences from old schools

By Jaylen WilliamsStaff Writer

Whether it be from a bad case of the sniffles or a recent death in the family, every student tends to miss school every once in awhile. In the past when these things happened, you were left behind in your classes and returned to school with piles of work. But thanks to technology, students now have the option to turn in and receive work from our teachers wherever they may be.

This year, two learning management systems, NEO and Google Classroom, complement the newly distributed Chromebooks in an effort to better utilize technology and integrate it into our classrooms.

Michael Daly, social studies teacher, has been one of the few teachers who seem to understand the programs and has been actively using it in his classrooms.

“I was already using Google Docs, and Google Classroom made sharing documents not such a nightmare” said Daly.

Sara Betancourt, Spanish teacher, has also made efforts to use NEO LMS in her classes.

“I blended a lot of stuff i teach with it, it’s a lot more at the student’s pace and allows them to retake quiz and do better, which hopefully helps them learn in the end.” said Betancourt.

While the programs have

presented new opportunities for students to work collaboratively with their teachers, new problems have also come along.

“The training over the summer was for NEO LMS, and Google Classroom didn’t have a training sessions so I don’t use it. I’ve heard that it’s great and worthwhile but I’m not really tech savvy so I didn’t know enough to be comfortable playing around with it” said Betancourt.

Even Daly, someone who seems to grasp Google Classroom a little better than most, has concerns.

“Even though it allows everyone’s papers and grades to be stored in one place, it takes double work to enter both in SISK” said Daly.

Since this is the first year students have been issued Chromebooks, it is expected that all of the kinks associated with teachers having to tailor their teaching styles to the new addition have not been worked out yet.

Chief Technology Officer Scott Gowan believes that in time as teacher become more accustomed to using these resources, they will use it more often and eventually use it to their advantage.

“Teachers will adopt it as they see the benefits that it provides for their students and themselves.” said Gowan.

Teachers utilize different learning management systems to engage students, whether at school or home

1:1 Chromebook initiative expands technology use

For more photos and stories, visit utimesonline.com

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PEDAL PEDAL - HS Program AD 10.875w x 17h.pdf 2 10/5/15 2:45 PM

November 2015 6homecoming

Monday

Twin DayLashe’ Tomlin-Wilks, Janea Davis,

and Makhyla Mingo, seniors

Tuesday

Trendy Tuesday

Korinna Brandt, senior

Wednesday

Character DayTamia Williams and Jasmin

Pointer, juniors

Thursday

Crazy Socks, Hair and Bowtie Day

Zachary Clark, junior

Friday

Black and Gold Day

Tanyra Blackmon, senior

SPIRIT WEEK

Hollywood Homecoming trumps past dancesBy Kathryn Fuller and Lucy WurstAssistant Editor and Staff Writer

As people walked through the door to the Homecoming dance on Oct. 10, they were greeted with loud music, strobe lights, a Hollywood backdrop, and music videos being projected onto the gymnasium wall.

”Homecoming for me was a lot more fun than I thought,” said Kaitlynn Douglas, senior. “I heard the past year’s dance was dead.”

In the senior cafeteria, cake and punch was being served. Throughout the dance, there was a stream of people dancing and enjoying spending time with their friends.

“I had fun seeing all my friends dressed up,” said junior Jonah Payne.

For the past week, students had been hanging up posters with their faces on them, and posting pictures on Instagram encouraging their fellow students to vote for them for Homecoming court. For Deion Williams, sophomore, social media was the way he got people’s votes.

“I enjoyed winning,” said Williams who was the winner of the sophomore court.

The dance left a good impression on freshman Thomas Looby.

“It was a really fun Homecoming for my first time,” said Looby. “I went with a group of friends.”

Students agreed the dance was a big improvement from last year’s Homecoming dance.

Douglas said, “If I could relive that night, I would.”

For the second year in a row, Rontrell Gentry and Taylor Bass, seniors, attented the dance together. “We planned to wear red because it went with the red carpet theme,” Gentry said. “We hadn’t seen each other’s outfits before the dance so we were happy we matched.” The pair went off to the side to take selfies and have time to themselves. PHOTOS BY U-TIMES STAFF AND INTER-STATE PHOTOGRAPHY

Alona Jenkins, freshmen, enjoyed her time at her first Homecoming dance. “Hanging out with my friends made the best part of my night,” said Jenkins. “The dance was nicely themed.”

Trying on a friend’s sunglasses, Phyllis Nelson, sophomore, takes a selfie or two. “I thought I looked good so I took a selfie,” said Nelson.

After being announced Homecoming Princess, Justice Corn, junior, steps forward.“I wasn’t nervous,” said Corn. “I was just

excited. I was really grateful that people voted for me and I won.”

November 20157 homecoming

By Payton BassWeb Editor

The consensus among students and teachers is that this year’s pep rally assembly was the best one yet. The gym boomed with an overwhelming presence of black and gold, hip hop, and roars of school spirit.

“It was the most amped one all three years I’ve been here,” said Alexis Tucker, junior.

Student Council put a lot of work into the pep rally, preparing for weeks with Christopher Blumenhorst, principal of Lieberman Learning Center (LLC) and Activities Director. The new partnership between Student Council and Blumenhorst made things complicated, considering he’s based at LLC and the two never have worked together before for homecoming event planning.

“It took a lot of work to set up the pep rally,” said senior

Z’hane Watson, Student Council treasurer. “It was difficult because we had a new person in charge.”

Student Council not only had to work with new authority, but on top of it all the mic broke in the middle of the pep rally and several seniors on the gym floor took charge.

“The mic broke and it was stressful, but I think the kids did a good job at improvising until they fixed the mic,” said Catherine Lauterborn, Student Council sponsor.

Student Council improvised with an unexpected dance break, which incorporated students from all the way down on the gym floor to all the way up in the bleachers.

“The dance break was awesome,” said Kaya Blount, freshman. “It was the best part of the pep rally. I feel like that’s when everybody was having the most fun.”

Pep rally explodes with roars of school spirit

JV football players Brysom Jones, freshman, Kyron Bailey, freshman, and Jonathan York, sophmore, fall to the floor after going up against the varsity football team in a tug-of-war competetion. “It was funny because it was our first time going against varsity,” said Bailey. “We knew we were going to lose because they’re strong.” PHOTO BY JOHANNA HILL

Logan Black&

Rudy Huxtable

Kyah Donald&

Deion Williams

Justice Corn&

Trevon Gentry

Homecoming Court

Kelsi Tatum&

Jabriee Mason

Seniors

Juniors

Sophomores

FreshmenRachel Rogers, senior, spends time with her boyfriend of one year, Demetrius Coleman, who attends Gateway STEM High School. “Before [the dance] we took pictures at my house and we went out to dinner afterwards at PF Changs,” said Rogers.

Jermarcus Perkins, junior, dances with Nyia Cadmey, freshman, to “Hit the Quan.” “The whole purpose of me going to the dance was because I was running for the homecoming court, but Trevonn [Gentry} won,” said Perkins. “Besides that, I was turnt up.”

For the second year in a row, Rontrell Gentry and Taylor Bass, seniors, attented the dance together. “We planned to wear red because it went with the red carpet theme,” Gentry said. “We hadn’t seen each other’s outfits before the dance so we were happy we matched.” The pair went off to the side to take selfies and have time to themselves. PHOTOS BY U-TIMES STAFF AND INTER-STATE PHOTOGRAPHY

After being announced Homecoming Princess, Justice Corn, junior, steps forward.“I wasn’t nervous,” said Corn. “I was just

excited. I was really grateful that people voted for me and I won.”

November 2015 8features

By Francene BethuneStaff Writer

On the edge of the Delmar Loop, replacing the former Ginger Bistro, a new restaurant offers two different dining style options. Owner David Choi turned his taco truck into a brick and mortar restaurant, keeping the name Seoul Taco which serves Korean barbecue with a Mexican twist. Dishes include burritos and tacos fused with Kimchi rice and Seoul sacue. Attached to Seoul Taco is Seoul Q, where customers can grill their food at their table.

On the Seoul Taco side, the walls are decorated with a mix of Korean and Mexican. A retro Seoul taco truck on the wall symbolizes the origin and concept of the restaurant. Once this eatery hits around lunchtime, lines are usually to the door because it’s a fun and affordable place to kick back and relax with friends.

A normal lunch at Seoul Taco consists of a burrito, Korean taco and bowls, at an affordable price. In each dish is a combination of Kimchi rice, lettuce, Kimchi, Seoul sauce and your choice of meat (chicken, pork, beef) for under $10. The tacos are made of with soft and chewy shells with a filling of your choice for only $2.50. There is also a tofu version of both burritos and tacos for vegetarians. The menu also consists

of Kimchi, which is a traditional dish that is made with fermented cabbage marinated with seasonings. Kimchi can be a side to any desired dish. The pot stickers are doughy with a firm filling of minced pork which comes with six for $5. The Golgi Bowl is for salad lovers and is made with rice, fresh veggies, fried egg, carrots, green onion, sesame oil, and spicy Gochujang pepper sauce and can be paired with your choice of meat and fried rice for a dollar extra.

In the Loop for about 8 months, Seoul Taco looks rather lavish for most students’ taste. However, it was explored by senior Eniah Harris it is now the number one spot for her and friends to go and enjoy a good bowl or two.

“I discovered Seoul Taco from a friend,” said Harris. “I was skeptical about the food until I had a Golgi Bowl and ever since it has been my favorite food joint.”

While Harris prefers Seoul Taco over any other food joint in the Loop, however, it’s not for everyone. Senior Korinna Brandt says she dislikes the taste and texture.

“I don’t get why people obsess over Seoul Taco,” said Brandt. “They have good food but if you don’t like spicy food then it’s not a good place to eat.”

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Seoul Taco in the Loop

By Tave HollinsStaff Writer

During the afternoon, the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class moves right along, reviewing grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Although quiet, all students are attentively participating in learning English words and also getting assistance on their classwork from other teachers.

Sandra Cox, ESOL teacher, gives her students the attentive one-on-one time that they need, even if there is a language barrier between Cox and her students.

“I speak three different languages.” Cox said, when speaking fluent Spanish while talking to Jeffery Borilla, a student who transferred from Honduras.

This fluency allows her to have a deeper connection with her students.

ESOL is also very inclusive to those outside of her classroom. When visiting, Cox had me participate in her class by having me read out loud.

“If you’re in here, you’re going to have to participate,” Cox said.

Michael Maclin, principal, discussed the process of how students are chosen for ESOL.

“Students are identified and from there, they are put into the course,” said Maclin. “It’s a very strict process.”

Maclin also mentioned how more and more schools are becoming diverse, and are

beginning to implement ESOL in their districts. Also, Maclin is proud of our ESOL program.

“The program here is really second to none,” said Maclin.

The students enjoy their class. Cox has five official students, but eight to ten come in everyday, to visit and to get assistance from their favorite teacher.

The class agrees as a whole that ESOL is like a second family.

Zhiling Guan, a senior who transferred from Shenyang, China, and who speaks Mandarin, had positive things to say about her class.

“It’s good. I like this class,” said Guan. “Students here are nice to each other.”

Sandra Asamoah, junior, feels similarly. Asamoah came from Kumasi, Ghana, and speaks Twi (pronounced “tree”) and two other dialects.

Asamoah is not supposed to be in ESOL, since she passed the proficiency test. However, she continues to go to Cox’s class to get extra help and to help her classmates.

“I learn new stuff, and I get to help new people,” said Asamoah. “This class is more like my family.”

Family is a common feeling in the classroom. Freshman Tuywen Trieu, who transferred from Vietman, agrees with her classmate Asamoah.

“I like this class because they are like family,” said Trieu. “They make me very happy.”

ESOL students find new home in English classroom

BALANCING ACT

Zhiling Guan, senior, sits in Cox’s classroom doing an activity where she reads aloud along with her classmates to practice their pronunication. Guan and the other students went around in a circle, reading a comic book styled novel about a group of travelling children who encountered a strange town. PHOTO BY TAVE HOLLINS

Seoul Taco began as a taco truck which was dismantled and now hangs on the wall in the restaurant. They now have another food truck and a brick and mortar restaurant in Columbia, MO.

Students manage demands of academics, work, athleticsBy Lucy WurstStaff Writer

Trying to manage school, sports, homework, a job, a regular sleep schedule and a healthy social life can be beyond overwhelming. For students like Briana Hudson, senior, this is the norm, except that she slips in duties as cheerleading captain.

“I always keep a list in my mind of what’s the most important and make sure I stay on top of everything,” said Hudson. “It’s always school, cheerleading, and then my job. Sometimes I do have my off days, but it’s all about staying motivated and making sure I get the job done. Motivation is the key to being successful.”

Hudson isn’t the only high schooler dealing with these same challenges. Korinna Brandt, senior, works at Kohl’s for four hour shifts on weekdays and six to eight hour shifts on the weekends. She also plays field hockey which takes up a vast majority of her extra time.

“Having a job can make it harder to get all my school work done, but I try to finish most of it in AIP or seminar,” said Brandt. “Managing school, a job, and a sport is very hard to do. You have to be sure you can handle the commitment if you get a job while still in school.”

Instead of trying to juggling basketball, school, and homework Rontrell Gentry, senior, takes a different approach. He works at Schnucks pushing the carts and working in the bagging area three times a week for five to eight hours.

“During the basketball season I have way too much going on so I usually don’t work or I’ll only work on weekends,” said Gentry. “I have to make sure I do my homework before school. I try to make my school life a priority over my work life.”

The whole work and school balance even affects A-plus student and sophomore Jakob Giles. Giles works at Rocket Fizz on weekends for seven hour shifts and finds time for basketball and extracurriculars. Although he admits trying to squeeze too many things in at once can become stressful.

“Sometimes I can’t do my homework, then I ask for less hours,” said Giles. “I get pretty stressed out, but if I manage my time right, I can become successful.”

Cheerleading is just one of many demands on senior Briana Hudson’s time. At senior night, she takes a moment to celebrate with her parents, Dwana and Ethan Hudson. PHOTO BY TANEYA PARKER

November 20159 features

This year, there are a number of new teachers who are faced, for the first time, with a classroom and students of their own. Fortunately for them, there are many knowledgeable teachers that have been teaching here for a long time, full of advice for how to handle the many ups and downs of a school day. BY KATHRYN FULLER

Veteran teachers pass out advice

-Julie Ertmann,Science23 years

-Anthony ThomasScience27 years

-Jacqueline Meyer,Social Studies

25 years

-Steven Wurst,Practical Arts

26 years

By Jaylen WilliamsStaff Writer

Fame. Money. Power. Everyone wants to be a superstar, but very few have the potential to actually become one. As rare as it seems, there could possibly be some amongst us here in U.City.

Fidel Muhammad, aka F-Note The Visionary, is a senior who possesses some of these star qualities not many people can attain.

Muhammad’s goal wasn’t to become a rapper in the beginning, writing was just a stress reliever.

“I was always writing poetry and getting things out of my head on paper because I was going through stuff,” says Muhammad.

His focus shifted around sophomore year after having some surprisingly positive responses.

“I put a song on Soundcloud and got 2,000 plays so I thought I must be pretty good at this,” said Muhammad.

Since beginning, Muhammad has joined forces with other innovative artist in U.City.

“Derek Mills writes with me and Tay Adams, basically, they motivate me to rap and we get competitive and help each other sound good,” said Muhammad.

Muhammad has seized every opportunity to get his music out there, and he has recently ventured into the world of video making to broadcast himself to an even bigger audience. Curtis Stuart, broadcast teacher, has nothing but positive things to say about Muhammad’s video making abilities.

“I think his videos are great, ….and show them to my students as an example of what they could be doing if they apply themselves,” said Stuart.

See some of Fidel’s latest music at www.soundcloud.com/fnotethevisionary and check out his music group Mo$ High at www.soundcloud.com/mo-high

STUDENT PROFILE

Our SponsorsWriter/Photographer ($19 or less)Componere GalleryJon Norfleet

Assistant Editor ($20-$39)Paul S. RhodesJan Vieth and Dave PolitteWizards Wagon in the Loop

Editor-in-chief ($40-$74)

Publisher ($75 or more)Hall Technologies

We thank our supporters for donating to our student publication! If you are interested in donating, please e-mail Mary Williams at marywilliams@ucityschools.org.

“If it doesn’t work the first time, change it and try again.”

“Learn how to achieve balance. Learn how to balance home life and professional life.”

“You get better every year. This is not your best year.”

“Find the district you want to be in for your entire career within the first five years of teaching.”

Fidel Muhammad, aka ‘F-Note the Visionary’

Fidel Muhammad, senior, brainstorms outside of

school while meticulously constructing another song. “I like writing outside,” said

Muhammad. “It helps to see the world I’m talking about

in my music.”PHOTO BY CAT HOFF

“Dont forget your priorities.”

-Matthew Brooks,Science19 years

November 2015 10sportsAIP helps balance academic demandswith athleticsBy Jacelynn AllenStaff Writer

Participating in sports brings greater responsibilities, so U. City student athletes are provided with a study hall after school called AIP.

“AIP stands for academic improvement program, and it is something each team has to go to to help keep our grades up,” said Noah Greenberg, freshman, who plays boys’ varsity soccer.

The AIP program is designed to give students a place to do their homework and ask for help if needed.

“I get a head start on work or do work that I didn’t finish in class,” said Anisa Reynolds, senior, who is on the varsity field hockey team.

The program is available after school Tuesdays through Fridays for students.

“AIP is about an hour long,” said Caleb Herndon, senior varsity football player. “It feels like a good amount of time.”

Freshmen constitute the majority of the population in AIP because the transition from middle school to high school academics and athletics create the biggest challenge.

“I’m in AIP because I am a freshman and am required to go,” said Julian Albright,

freshman, who runs junior varsity cross country.

The majority of students are successful in AIP, allowing the program to be effective towards improving their education.

“I’m more motivated to do my homework in AIP than at home,” said Albright.

According to students like Reynolds, AIP is a positive benefit for students.

“We should keep AIP because it helps students balance their grades and sports,” said Reynolds.

Peggy Halter, English teacher, is in charge of AIP since April Pezzolla left last school year and thinks AIP is a good program.

“AIP shows that we value academics, that it should come first before practice or games but also because of the timing of it,” said Halter.

AIP starts right after school so students won’t miss any practice time or have any homework to do at home.

“AIP provides that one hour of time that the student athlete can count on,” said Halter. “That is an hour every day to work on studies when they are fresh, alert and awake. You get out of it of what you put into it.”

Field hockey team bonding transfers to success on field

By Pablo LopezStaff Writer

Despite having an overall losing record, the field hockey team wins in cultivating strong relationships among teammates. Consisting of seven seniors, one junior, ten sophomores, and four freshmen, the team focuses on a pre-season retreat at Camp Manitowa in Illinois to build unity.

“The traits we have to endure in order to stay committed to the game really brings forth some very strong, independent women,” said Mia Hicks-Thomas, senior. “We all have this in common, which I really think helps bring us together as a team.”

After cementing their bond at the retreat, the players find it easier to translate those skills onto the field.

“We value everyone’s

strengths and what they bring to the team,” said head coach, Marisa Sheppard. “We talk a lot about the fact that winning is only accomplished by the team and that we need everyone on the same page to be successful. Our off-the-field team events also allow the girls to get to know each other beyond just teammates. Lastly, I think that we paint a broad vision of success as a district-wide program and that encourages players to buy into our team culture. It gives them permission to express their passion for the sport and their teammates.”

Even typical team controversies are set aside for the good of the whole.

“The only issues we have come from our frustration of not winning games and the intensity at which we practice,” says Kayanna Wymbs, senior.

“We don’t let issues off the field affect how we play or dictate what happens to us on the field.”

Work ethic drives their ambition to win games and work hard. Seniors represent the backbone of the team and provide the underclassmen motivation to work harder.

“The seniors are definitely a force to be reckoned with on the field,” said Hicks-Thomas. “We work very hard to keep the team driven, motivated, and focused on our goals.”

In particular, the seniors strive to ensure all their teammates are taken care of.

“The seniors help when needed or wanted,” said Justice Corn, junior. “They go out of their way doing things for us, like giving us rides, talking about personal things, and even words of encouragement.”

At the pre-season retreat, field hockey players Kathyrn Fuller, Anisa Reynolds, Jillian Pritchard, Lucy Wurst and Catherine Hoff took to the lake in canoes for races and relaxation. “Every year the field hockey team goes on a retreat and helps us become closer,” said Pritchard, senior forward. “The retreat makes us become a family.”

November 201511 sports

By Francene BethuneStaff Writer

Jabriee Mason, senior, entered U. City with the mindset of finishing up his father’s dream of playing football his senior year.

“I figured to finish my dad’s legacy,“ said Mason. “My dad played throughout high school, but he got injured his senior year, so he wasn’t able to go to college for football.”

Mason has moved up the ladder from the freshman team to varsity. With 22 seniors, the varsity football team has grown close over the years, forming solid friendships and bonding like a second family.

“Most of the seniors I have known for most of my life,” said Mason. “Especially since we’ve been playing for four years together we have grown on each other.”

For Mason, putting his helmet on and going out into the field gives him the thrill to do his best with his family’s help.

“Just being out there, winning or losing is exciting when we tried our best,” said Mason.

According to assistant coach Lafayette Gatewood, Mason has grown incredibly in his academic life and while playing football.

“Mason has matured as a person like all the other senior players,” said Gatewood. “He has grown through practice and patience.”

With Mason, a calm attitude leads him to do good in school and to look forward for football in the future.

“Football wasn’t an option,” said Mason. “I love playing and I plan to keep playing in my future.”

Mia Hicks-Thomas

By Pablo LopezStaff Writer

Maintaining high grades while ranked in the top five of her class, Mia Hicks-Thomas, senior, excels in balancing the demanding schedules of field hockey and school.

“I have to know where my priorities lie and organize my time accordingly,” said Hicks-Thomas. “In past years it has just taken knowing that if I want to play, I need to be proactive with my time.”

Prioritizing school before sports, Hicks-Thomas takes her education seriously, not allowing sports to interfere with her academic excellence.

“I really want to go to the school that has the best educational program possible for my interests,” said Hicks-Thomas. “I don’t intend on making my decision with field hockey being the number one thing in mind, but if it is offered I will definitely play.”

Allowing field hockey to be a part of her life, Hicks-Thomas has grown to let it affect her decision making.

“It’s a way for me to be accountable for my health and fitness,” said Hicks-Thomas. “I love the sense of community it creates, both on and off the field. I have made so many friends and met some very inspiring, ambitious people through field hockey. The endorphins you get from being intensely active are a plus as well. Field hockey is really an outlet for me physically, mentally and emotionally. If I’m having a bad day, I can get it all out on the field. It’s everything.”

Thomas has cultivated success and leads by example.

“Mia is well respected by her teammates and coaches,” said head coach Marisa Sheppard. “Her teammates know that she can be relied upon to deliver with her skills on the field and to set a great example of what a responsible and dedicated player is. As coaches, we have seen Mia develop into a very smart and strong player on the field. We can always count on her to do what needs to be done, to be committed to our team’s success and to work hard.”

Fall sports wrap-upTennis • Although the tennis team expanded their size to 11 players this year, they ended up winning only their first and last matches of the season. The vast majority of the girls were playing tennis competitively for the first time.

Softball • With a 1-14 record, the softball team did not experience a lot of success on the field, but had an especially sweet win against Jennings when they came from behind and beat them by one point, 24-23.

Boy Soccer • The soccer team wrapped up their season with a 10-0 loss to Ladue High School. The soccer team struggled throughout the season, ending with a 5-16 record.

Boys Swimming • The swim season ended on Oct. 30. Three swimmers, Alex Portnoy, junior, John Tschampel, junior, and Daniel Williamson, senior, placed in the top 16 for their individual events.

Cross Country • Cross country finished their season at the district meet on Oct. 31 without any state qualifiers. Each member of the team, consisting of three varsity boys, three junior varsity boys, and one varsity girl runner, set a new personal record at every meet they ran in. The new head coach, Brain Ashley, encouraged the runners to increase personal records throughout the season.

Football • The football team is headed into the district finals after shutting out both Jennings (42-0) and MICDS (21-0) in the first two district contests. The district final will be played Nov. 7 at home against St. Dominic.

Volleyball • Varsity went 4-22-2 over the season, but the highlight was when the freshman team won the Silver Division of the Hazelwood East Tournament.

Field Hockey • The field hockey season ended with a game against Nerinx which they lost 2-0, bringing their overall record to 6-15. Although they had a losing record, the team won their pool in the Gateway Classic, their first tournament.

Compiled from staff reports.

ATHLETIC PROFLIES

During the Gateway Classic tournament, Mia Hicks-Thomas makes contact with the ball. The team tied for first place with Lutheran South.After playing the sport in middle school and high school, Hicks-Thomas is sad that her final season is over. “I don’t want to leave... It’s like a family,” she said.PHOTO BY HANNAH FULLER

On senior night, Jabriee Mason, senior running back, embraces his mother, Pamela Mason before the game on Oct. 17 against Hillsboro. “It was a heartwarming moment...a once-in-a-lifetime moment that I think I will have [again] in college football,” said Mason. PHOTO BY TANEYA PARKER

Jabriee Mason

For the love of the game

TENNIS

VOLLEYBALL CROSS COUNTRY

SOFTBALL

Francene Bethune, Sandra Asamoah, Linda Zhang, Christa Zang, Tori Turner and Rachel Rodg-ers warm up before a match. PHOTO BY JOSHUA MAYFIELD

Yasmine Williams, Raven Bullard and Alex Jolliff ready themselves for the serve in the U. City Tournament. PHOTO BY TEVIN WILLIAMS

The team huddles around Jacelynn Allen, the only girl on the team, before she starts her race at the Hancock Invitational. PHOTO BY CHRISTINE POLITTE

Jade Morrow, Destiny Moore and Leea Matthews goof around before the first game of the season. PHOTO BY ANIYA KENDRICK

FIELD HOCKEY

FOOTBALL

For more photos and stories, visit utimesonline.com

November 2015 12sports

By Kathryn FullerAssistant Editor

The football stadium was packed with fans decked out in their black and gold for the homecoming game on Oct. 10 against the Ladue Rams. It was a perfect day for football, sunny and not a cloud in sight. The large crowd cheered as the U. City Lions, wearing pink to honor Breast Cancer Awareness month, charged through the banner held up by the cheerleaders.

U. City started out strong. With two minutes and 24 seconds left in the first quarter, Keondre Bledsoe, senior quarterback, scored a touchdown, followed by an extra point scored by Pablo Lopez-Reyna, senior kicker, leading the Lions into the second quarter winning 7-0. Ronnie Perkins, sophomore defensive end, made a touchdown after receiving the ball from Bledsoe, making the score 14-0. Bledsoe threw a pass to Du’rl Singleton, senior wide receiver and safety, for a touchdown. Ladue gained possession and scored a touchdown with 18 seconds left in the second quarter, leading them into halftime with a score of 21-7.

Lopez-Reyna went into halftime feeling confident.

“I felt the second half should be a bit easier.”

For the half-time show, the band and Golden Girls took the field. Afterwards, both teams took the field, ready to dominate. Ladue scored another touchdown and extra point in the third quarter, closing the gap to 14-21.

With 10 minutes and 33 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Ladue scored again, tying the game 21-21. For the second time in the fourth quarter, Ladue made another touchdown and an extra point ending the game with a final score of 28-21, devastating U. City’s hopes of a

homecoming win. Players walked off the field, heads hung low, and some were even crying.

Players were incredibly upset about the outcome of the game.

“We should’ve won,” said Tyson Willis,

senior linebacker, “We were up 21 points, we should’ve made a comeback.”

Zac Bush, junior defensive back, thought that the biggest problem of the game was staying focused.

According to Bush, the cause of the loss was “not staying determined and taking our foot off the gas. We let up too easily.”

U. City’s loss made an impact on the rest of the homecoming festivities for Bush.

“I feel like I don’t want to go to the

dance,” Bush said. ”It’s a heartbreaking loss, really.”

Despite the upsetting loss, the atmosphere of the game and the school spirit stayed strong. The U. City crowd was massive compared to the amount of Ladue fans in the stadium. The alumni band and dancers who returned to perform looked as if they’d never left and the boys soccer team showed their spirit by painting their chests black and gold.

Head coach Jameson Allen thought the players went into the homecoming game really fired up and thought the atmosphere was amazing.

“The fans were great, the band was great and we fed off of it for a while,” said Allen. “We just needed to find the missing pieces and put it all together.”

Cameron Davis, senior center and linebacker, thought that the alumni band members coming back to play for the game was really great.

Davis said, “I just wish we won the game, it would make the atmosphere better.”

Homecoming heartbreakLions lose motivation after promising start

Darrian Fields, senior running back and cornerback received a handoff from quarterback Keondre Bledsoe. The results of the homecoming game disappointed Fields. “We didn’t finish. We were up by a large lead and we let them come back.” PHOTO BY KATHRYN FULLER

“The fans were great, the band was great and we fed off of it for a while. We just needed to find the missing pieces and put it all together.”

-Head coach Jameson Allen